Identifying and Addressing the Gang Problem in the Virgin Islands
Group 5: Operation Order University of the Virgin Islands CJU 122
http://www.facebook.com/groups/257260194353113/
Electronic survey and responses from at least 15 members of the community (UVI
students and members of the public)
Definition of a gangSeveral indicators and risk factorsExplanation of how the issue has affected
the communityDetailed analysis of the issue supported by
research.A problem-oriented strategy to address the
issue.
CONTENT:
Individuals who mingle with various likes and differences are considered gangs. Not all gangs are bad or violent. Gang violence refers to the violent acts that the gang commits towards other gangs or the general public. Gangs participate in many acts; some are fighting, robberies, and even murder.
WHAT IS A GANG?
Group of three or moreThe group commits criminal activity.The group has at least a common name, sign, color or symbol (clothing).
Unemployed or employed and have more money or possessions
Staying out later than usualCarrying weapons
ELEMENTS & INDICATOR OF GANG INVOLVEMENT
INDICATOR OF POSSIBLE GANG INVOLVEMENT
HAND SIGNS
Used to show allegiance to a specific gang.
SYMBOLS & TATOOSGangs use symbols to identify their gang.
“This gang is called “Mara Salvatrucha,” clique-Centrales.
INDICATOR OF POSSIBLE GANG INVOLVEMENT
Graffiti are not all gang related.
Links to gang (graffiti is an issue in the Virgin Islands)
Identifies territory or turf Used to send messages.
IS GRAFFITI A GANG ISSUE?
Gang activity such as drug/alcohol use, firearmsViolence against family members or gang
membersLack of alternative activitiesPoor school achievementLack of respect for authority (parents, teachers,
law enforcement officers)TheftGang violence are affecting cultural & social
events (jouvet, parade, village)Gangs are a problem for everyone.
How the gang violence issue has affected our community
Analysis of the issues supported by research
On January 9, 2012, two men were shot to death at Estate Grove Place on St. Croix. This incident occurred in a housing community known as Mutual Homes. Assailants were unknown.
According to St. Croix Source, on January 28, 2012, a man was found dead at his Boetzberg home in St. Croix. No motive or details or the cause of death were made available.
St. Croix Source. Homicide Data 2012. V.I. Source Publication Inc.
In St. Thomas, on February 6, 2012, two teenagers were shot multiple times in the Sugar Estate area.
Also, on February 24, 2012, a 24 year old was found shot to death at the Paul M. Pearson Gardens Housing Community; two other men were wounded.
St. Croix Source. Homicide Data 2012. V.I. Source Publication Inc.
A 20 year old inmate at the Golden Grove Correctional Facility was arrested in connection with an incident. H. K., allegedly struck a correction officer in the face with a chair and cut the officer in his hand with a shank while being taken to his prison cell following a court appearance . According to St. Croix Source he is one of three suspects arrested for an Aug 29 murder of a 25 yr. old..
“The murder was believed to be ongoing and gang related based of the indicator and gang involvement.”
Retrieved from:
St. Croix Source.“Inmate Charged for May 23 Assault Against Corrections Officer”. (5 July 2011) V.I. Source Publication Inc.
J’ouvert was stopped when numerous fights broke out along the J’ouvert route.
St. Croix Source. “Violence Brings Abrupt End to J’ouvert” (5 May 2011) V.I. Source Publication Inc.
A bill to crack down on gang members was approved Thursday by the Senate’s committees on Public Safety, Homeland Security and Justice, sending it on for further consideration.
Police Commissioner Henry White Jr. said the bill is needed badly in order to track down gang.
St. Croix Source. Senate Panel Oks Bill to Crack Down on Gangs. (17 February 2012) V.I. Source Publication Inc
problem-oriented strategy to address the issues
Prevention-Primary and secondaryInterventionSuppressionReentry
Be a positive role mode.Do everything possible to involve your
children in supervised, positive group activities.
Praise your children for doing well/encouragement.
Get to know your children’s friends and their parents.
Set limits for your children, enforcing them.Do not allow your children to dress in gang
style clothing, to practice gang hand signs, or to write gang graffiti on any surface, including their bodies.
What Can Parents Do?
Identify at risk students and students who are already gang members. Encourage sports, drama, music, art, and positive activities.
Do not allow anyone to wear gang clothing.Photograph and remove all graffiti from school
grounds.Promote after school programs.Work with parents, counselors, School Resource
Officers.Ensure that gang and drug prevention are part
of the curricula. COMMUNICATE!!!!
What Can Schools Do?
St. Croix Source. (V.I. Source Publication (2012) Inc.Addressing Community Gang Problems: APractical Guide (BJA, 1998)www.iir.com/nygc/PublicationLinks.htm#CAYGNational Crime Prevention Council: Teens,
Crime, and the Community www.ncpc.org/tccNC Gang Investigators’ Association
www.ncgangcops.orgTHE END………
RESOURCES: